Are Your Bottom Teeth Supposed To Touch Your Top Teeth
Have you ever wondered if your bottom teeth are supposed to touch your top teeth? Or do you keep them apart? This is a common question that people ask when it comes to dental health. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
The Dental Occlusion
The way your teeth come together when you close your mouth is called dental occlusion. This can vary from person to person and can depend on a variety of factors, such as the shape and size of your teeth and jaw, and how they developed over time.
The ideal dental occlusion is when your top teeth slightly overlap your bottom teeth. This is called a class I occlusion and is considered normal. However, not everyone has a class I occlusion.
Types of Dental Occlusion
There are three types of dental occlusion:
- Class I: Your top teeth slightly overlap your bottom teeth
- Class II: Your top teeth significantly overlap your bottom teeth (also called an overbite)
- Class III: Your bottom teeth significantly overlap your top teeth (also called an underbite)
If you have a class II or class III occlusion, your bottom teeth may not touch your top teeth when you close your mouth. This is because your teeth do not come together in the ideal way.
The Importance of Dental Occlusion
Dental occlusion is important for several reasons. First, it affects your bite and how you chew your food. If your teeth do not come together properly, it can cause problems with your jaw and make it difficult to eat certain foods.
Second, dental occlusion can affect your speech. If your teeth do not come together properly, it can cause a lisp or other speech impediment.
Finally, dental occlusion can affect the overall health of your teeth and gums. If your teeth do not come together properly, it can cause uneven wear on your teeth and lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
What to Do If You Have an Abnormal Dental Occlusion
If you have an abnormal dental occlusion, your dentist may recommend treatment. This can include braces or other orthodontic treatment to move your teeth into the correct position.
In some cases, your dentist may recommend oral surgery to correct a severe overbite or underbite. This is usually only done in extreme cases.
Conclusion
So, are your bottom teeth supposed to touch your top teeth? The answer is that it depends on your dental occlusion. If you have a normal class I occlusion, then yes, your bottom teeth should touch your top teeth. However, if you have a class II or class III occlusion, your bottom teeth may not touch your top teeth when you close your mouth. This is because your teeth do not come together in the ideal way. If you have an abnormal dental occlusion, talk to your dentist about treatment options.